First Metro Bank

Shared Success

As a hometown bank, we believe in reinvesting in the community. We realize that the success that we enjoy is because of the residents we serve and that giving back is a vital part of ensuring that the Shoals continues to thrive. Rodney Howard, President and CEO of First Metro Bank, is unwavering in his support of area school systems. Having grown up in the Shoals and attended Muscle Shoals High School, he realizes the importance of investing in the future of our students. Beyond donations to schools and community organizations, First Metro Bank sponsors other events with which you might be familiar:

BILLY H. BOWLING MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

For eighteen years, First Metro Bank has hosted the annual Billy H. Bowling Memorial Golf Tournament in honor of the bank's first President, Billy Bowling. The proceeds from each tournament fund the Billy Bowling Memorial Scholarship at Northwest Shoals Community College.

W.C. HANDY FESTIVAL - SAX IN THE CITY

First Metro Bank kicks off the W.C. Handy Festival with our Sax in the City event featuring The Midnighters at Wilson Park in Florence. Every year for the past seven years, thousands of fans have packed the park for this free event. The Midnighters never disappoint, entertaining late into the night.

Also, our popular Sax in the City t-shirts are available to purchase for $5.00 each. This year we sold 3,000 shirts! We encourage you to visit any First Metro Bank location any time during the month prior to the event to purchase a shirt. All proceeds from shirts sales are donated to the W.C. Handy Festival.

SUMMERSTOCK AT THE RITZ

First Metro Bank is a proud founding sponsor of SummerStock at The Ritz. First Metro Bank collaborated with the Tennessee Valley Art Association and accomplished director David Hope to fund and organize this invaluable cultural training program.

Over the past several years local school systems and colleges have gradually lost their theatre arts programs due to budget cuts. SummerStock at The Ritz offers students of all ages an opportunity to train with theatre arts professionals during the summer months. At the end of each summer these students present quality live theatre productions of popular Broadway performances such as West Side Story, Nunsense and Camelot.

SWAMPERS RACE

The Muscle Shoals Civitans organize the annual Swampers 5k Race and 1 Mile Walk/Run to raise money for various local charitable organizations. First Metro Bank supports this event each year as a monetary donator and our employees are devoted participants in the race. Each year First Metro Bank places in the company awards for most participation. Two First Metro employees, Delores Cotton and Huston Kennedy, are active members of the Muscle Shoals Civitans. These individuals work incredibly hard to make events such as the Swampers Race successful. We're proud to support our community!

Each Labor Day Weekend since 2004, First Metro Bank has joined with the Muscle Shoals High School Girls' Volleyball Team to host an all day volleyball tournament for 1-A through 6-A schools across the area. This has become a much anticipated annual event for young ladies across north Alabama that participate. Last year over twenty teams arrived bright and early, ready to play hard for the lower and upper division titles. First Metro Bank employees volunteer time to take pictures, sell t-shirts and help the coaches throughout the busy day.

TEACH CHILDREN TO SAVE DAY

First Metro Bank understands that teaching children about money and savings from an early age will help them develop a lifelong savings habit. That is why we choose to participate in The American Banker's Association Education Foundation Teach Children to Save Day. By visiting local fourth grade classes and presenting an interactive program, First Metro Bank employees show children the importance of saving money at an early age. In 2010, nine First Metro Bank employees spoke to thirty-seven fourth grade classrooms representing 815 total students during the months of April and May. This program is available to all public and private schools located in Colbert, Franklin and Lauderdale counties. For more information, please contact Alana Parker, Education and Training Director, at 256-314-1621 or email her at aparker@firstmetro.net.

GET SMART ABOUT CREDIT DAY

First Metro Bank firmly believes that teaching students budgeting and credit management skills is a crucial part of providing them with a superior education. This is why our bank has once again joined in the nationwide effort called Get Smart About Credit Day in collaboration with The American Banker's Association Education Foundation. This fall will mark First Metro Bank's second year of participation in this worthy event. In 2009, six First Metro Bank employees visited ten area high schools and spoke to 1,162 students about the importance of credit management skills and making good financial decisions. This program is available to all public and private schools located in Colbert, Franklin and Lauderdale counties. For more information, please contact Alana Parker, Education and Training Director, at 256-314-1621 or email her at aparker@firstmetro.net.